North Carolina Division of Water Quality annual report of fish kill events

North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Annual Report of Fish Kill Events
2002
Water Quality Section
Environmental Science Branch
Raleigh, NC
December 2002
Introduction
The investigation of fish kill activity across the state currently involves protocols
established by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) in 1996. The
protocols were developed with assistance from Regional Office staff, North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission biologists, and Division of Marine Fisheries personnel
as a means to improve the tracking and reporting of fish kill events in North Carolina.
Fish kill and fish health investigations are recorded on a standardized form and sent to the
Division’s Environmental Sciences Branch (ESB) where the data are reviewed and
compiled. Data from fish kill investigation forms and supplemental information sent to
the ESB are entered into a central database where the data can be managed and retrieved
for use in reports to concerned parties. The procedure also requires the notification of
appropriate state officials and scientists associated with the investigation of such events.
In addition, reported kill information is updated weekly on the ESB website at:
www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/Fishkill/fishkillmain.htm.
This document is a summary of fish kill events reported to the DWQ from January to mid
December, 2002. The report is mandated under Section 4 of Chapter 633 of the 1995
North Carolina General Assembly Session Laws.
1
2002 Fish Kill Summary
Field investigators reported 46 fish kill events from January to December, 2002. Kill
events were reported from the coast to as far west as Mitchell County in 9 of the state’s
17 major river basins. The ESB tracks fish kill events when at least 25 fish are affected
and when the event is confirmed by investigators.
The total fish mortality for all 2002 reports was 269,635. This figure represents a sharp
drop from the 2001 figure and is the lowest total since systematic fish kill reporting
began in 1996. Mortality totals for individual events ranged from 30 to 196,000 with a
median mortality of 350. Two-thirds of the fish kill activity for 2002 was reported from
freshwater locations leaving about one-third of reports from estuarine waters. No reports
were received from the Atlantic Ocean.
Total Kill Events for 2001 46
Total Mortality for 2001 269,635 (229,796 Freshwater, 39839 Estuarine)
Report Mortality Range 30 to 196,000
Report Median Mortality 350
Basins with Activity 9 (of 17)
Freshwater Kills 30
Estuarine Kills 16
2
Figure 1 : Fish Kill Events Reported to NCDWQ - 2002
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PITT
WAKE
HYDE
DUPLIN
BLADEN
PENDER
UNION
WILKES
NASH
BERTIE
ROBESON
SAMPSON
MOORE
HALIFAX
COLUMBUS
ONSLOW
ASHE SURRY
ANSON
WAYNE
BURKE
JOHNSTON
CHATHAM
IREDELL
RANDOLPH
JONES
HOKE
LEE
ROWAN
BRUNSWICK
HARNETT
GUILFORD
MARTIN
BUNCOMBE
STOKES
DAVIDSON
LENOIR
ACKSON STANLY
HAYWOOD
DARE
GATES
FRANKLIN
WARREN
MADISON
PERSON
GRANVILLE
CUMBERLAND
WILSON
ORANGE
BEAUFORT
YADKIN
POLK
CASWELL
DAVIE
TYRRELL
CALDWELL
RICHMOND
FORSYTH
GASTON
ROCKINGHAM
CATAWBA
RUTHERFORD
ALAMANCE
CLEVELAND
VANCE
EDGECOMBE
MCDOWELL
YANCEY
AVERY
MECKLENBURG
LINCOLN
NORTHAMPTON
DURHAM
MONTGOMERY
PAMLICO
CABARRUS
HERTFORD
GREENE
WATAUGA
CRAVEN
SCOTLAND
HENDERSON
CAMDEN
WASHINGTON
TRANSYLVANIA
MITCHELL
ALEXANDER
CARTERET
ALLEGHANY
CHOWAN
PERQUIMANS
CURRITUCK
PASQUOTANK
NEW HANOVER
#
Reported Fish Mortalities
# 30 - 900
# 1000 - 4000
# 5000 - 13000
# 25000
# 196000
0 20 40Miles
3
Basin Activity
Investigators reported fish kill events in 9 of the state’s 17 major river basins during 2002
(Figure 1, Table 1). The Neuse River basin produced the most activity this year with nine
events, followed by the Tar/Pamlico, Cape Fear and Yadkin River basins with eight
events each. Clusters of events were reported around the lower Neuse and Pamlico
estuaries, a trend common in previous year’s investigations. A number of reports were
also received from the Pasquotank River basin around the western end of Albemarle
Sound. Kill reports from the Yadkin River basin were notable around High Rock Lake as
a result of drought effects and low lake levels (see Drought Effects below).
Table 1: Fish kill reports by basin, 1996 - 2002
Annual totals of statewide events have averaged around 60 since 1996 with a maximum
of 77 reports in 2001. Only 46 reports were received in 2002. The decrease in 2002 was
not expected, especially in light of poor environmental conditions across the state brought
about by drought.
Most reports were received during the warmest months of the 2002 season – July and
August. These months mark the period where fish stress is at a maximum from
environmental factors such as low dissolved oxygen, high water temperatures, and
fluctuating salinities.
Fish Mortality
Investigators reported a total of 269,635 fish killed during the 46 events of 2002. Nearly
three-quarters of the year’s fish mortality occurred at a single event in Wilson County.
Fish mortality figures on reports ranged from 30 to 196,000 with a median mortality of
350 fish. Total annual mortality figures have ranged from about 92,000 (1997) to over 1.3
River Basin 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Broad None None None 1 None None None
Cape Fear 21 16 23 14 12 5 8
Catawba None 3 1 3 2 4 1
Chowan 2 2 1 1 None 1 2
French Broad None 2 3 1 None None 1
Neuse 14 12 8 16 23 37 9
Lumber 4 3 5 None 2 None None
Pasquotank 10 2 8 2 None 1 6
Roanoke 2 None 1 None None None None
Tar/Pamlico 3 6 5 11 14 23 8
Watauga None None None 1 None None None
White Oak 3 3 1 3 3 3 3
Yadkin 1 10 2 1 2 3 8
Totals 60 57 58 54 58 77 46
4
million (2001). The total for 2002 represents a sharp drop from yearly totals reported for
the previous four years (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Reported annual fish kill events and mortality, 1996 to 2002
Suspected Causes of 2002 Events
Specific causes of fish kill events may or may not be obvious to investigators depending
on a host of factors. Many causes may quickly be defined, but others remain unconfirmed
or unclear due to an investigation occurring after the fact. Kill events often result from
many environmental conditions, and sorting out the major reason(s) why fish are dieing is
frequently a difficult and often subjective task. The NCDWQ reviews and tracks
suspected causes of fish kills reported by field investigators. Suspected cause reports aid
in evaluating potential water quality trends and problems, and assist scientists and
decision-makers with formulating future courses of action. Suspected cause reports
should not be viewed as a definitive label for a particular event.
Reported causes of 2002 kill events are summarized into six categories –dissolve oxygen
(DO) induced events, algal bloom related events, spills, bycatch, and other
(miscellaneous) causes. Those events where no specific causes could be determined were
assigned as “unknown” (Figure 3).
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10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Year
Total Events
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
1,400,000
1,600,000
Total Fish Mortality
Total Events Total Fish Mortality
5
Dissolved Oxygen Depletion: Poor dissolved oxygen (DO) was cited as a factor in 33
percent of the kill events during 2002. Unlike the trend in previous years, the majority of
DO related kills were reported in fresh waters. Freshwater DO events were reported in
conjuction with low flows and high water temperatures brought about by the state’s
ongoing drought conditions, most notably in July and August. Although several DO
related events occurred in
estuarine waters, the
intense kill activity
historically associated with
DO problems in the lower
Neuse and Pamlico Rivers
was reduced in 2002.
Harmful Algal Blooms:
Nutrient enrichment of
waterbodies throughout
North Carolina has resulted
in eutrophication and algal
blooms, common factors in
fish kill events. Algal
blooms cause dissolved
oxygen (DO) and pH
fluctuations as well as DO
depletion through diurnal cycles and algal decomposition. These elements often precede
fish kills events. Certain types of algae also release toxins during the course of a bloom
that are detrimental to aquatic life. Blooms were suspected in 7 percent of the fish kill
events for the year. A dense bloom of the blue-green alga Oscillatoria geminata
occurred in High Rock Lake near Buddle Creek in October. The bloom depleted DO
levels and was a factor in the death of 1,000 common carp and striped bass. Water
samples from two estuarine fish kills contained dense blooms of dinoflagellates, ciliates,
some euglenoids and cryptomonads (see Appendix B).
During 2002, the ESB staff routinely examined water samples associated with estuarine
fish kills for the presence of Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-like organisms. ESB examinations
were performed using light and epifluorescent microscopy. Suspect samples warranting
further confirmation for toxic Pfiesteria species were also forwarded to UNC-Greensboro
and the NCSU Center for Applied Aquatic Ecology for further tests. These tests included
fish bioassays, scanning electron microscopy, and an RNA probe that can discern the
presence of actual Pfiesteria cells.
Pfiesteria-like cells examined by ESB staff during 2002 appeared as nontoxic obligate
autotrophs and not forms historically associated with fish health events. At the time of
this report, all confirmatory tests results have been reported as negative and all involved
laboratories have reported that toxic Pfiesteria was not a causal factor in any of the 2002
events.
Figure 3: Suspected causes for fish kills - 2002
Dissolved
Oxygen
33%
Blooms
7%
Bycatch
2%
Other
13%
Unknown
34%
Spills
11%
6
Spills: Toxic spills either deplete DO levels in receiving streams or induce kills outright
through physical or chemical toxicity. Spills were reported as a cause in 11 percent of the
kill events during 2002 (Table 2).
Table 2: Spill-induced fish kills during 2002.
Date Waterbody County Mortality Comments
1/10 Hitchcock Creek Richmond 70 Kill caused by uncured concrete coming in contact with
water below Lake McKinney spillway.
4/18 Cane Creek Mitchell 1062 Kill event was caused by a petroleum spill into Cane
Creek on 4/16/02.
4/19 Pete Dye Lake New Hanover 200 Investigators suspected prior application of copper based
algacide as cause for kill.
5/12 Village Creek Chowan 500 Kill caused by discharge water from a fire at the Chowan
Veneer facility.
7/30 Peter’s Creek Forsyth 1000 Kill caused by a fire at P&B distributors on Chatham
Street in Winston Salem on 7/30/02. Chemicals from
the fire migrated to Peter's Creek.
Bycatch: Discarded fish from nearby fishing operations was reported as a cause in only
one kill event during 2002. A kill of 1,000 menhaden was reported on Albemarle Sound
by Division of Marine Fisheries investigators in late October. Investigators suspected the
fish were discarded eel pot bait.
Other: Miscellaneous causes were reported for 13 percent of the fish kills during 2002.
Fish were reported killed by extremes in temperature in several reports both during the
winter and summer. A bacterial infection of catfish in Catawba County and trauma in
associated with a dam spillway affecting threadfin shad on the Pee Dee River were
among other miscellaneous events.
Unknown Causes: Causes for kill events are listed as unknown when investigators fail to
report specific reasons for an event. Investigations may not provide definitive causes
when they are conducted too long after an event and no clear factors are determined, or
when causes are suspected but not confirmed. Investigators failed to cite specific causes
for an event in 34 percent of the year’s reports. Reports with unknown causes were
received from both estuarine and fresh waters. Investigators reported dead or
decomposed fish even though water quality measurements and water samples failed to
suggest a problem.
Drought Effects: North Carolina entered a fourth consecutive year of drought conditions
in 2002. The entire state was affected with the center of the state experiencing the most
severe conditions, and the far western and eastern sections generally experiencing
moderate drought. During June and July, 80 percent of the monitored streams across the
state were at less than 10 percent of normal flow for that time of year (www.ncwater.org).
Some areas across the state reported rainfall levels from 40 to 60 inches below normal
since the drought began.
7
19
13
11
8 8 8
5
4
3 3 3 3 3 3
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Sunfish
Catfish
Largemouth bass
Shad
Carp
Menhaden
Minnow
Srtiped Bass
Perch
Crappie
Pinfish
Mullet
Pickerel
Yellow Perch
Croaker
Sucker
Flounder
Mosquitofish
Gar
Eel
Trout
Species
Number of Events
Drought conditions were evident in many fish kill reports submitted by investigators
during 2002. Reports from the eastern sections of the state often mentioned low
dissolved oxygen levels associated with low river flows and subsequent stagnation.
Eastern investigations also revealed areas with extremely high salinities due to the lack of
freshwater inflow. High salinities were blamed for the stress and mortality of freshwater
fishes in a number of waterways around the Neuse and Pamlico estuaries. Investigators
from the Piedmont often reported fish kills occurring simply from a lack of water.
Numerous investigations as well as a number of anecdotal reports from citizens described
extremely low river flows and lake levels that trapped fish in small pockets without
adequate oxygen to sustain the schools.
The year’s most high profile events occurred on High Rock Lake (Davidson and Rowan
Counties) during a period from July to October. Record low stream-flows into High Rock
Lake reduced water levels over 20 feet below full pool by September. The low water
levels were a factor in the death of at least 5,000 fish most of which were common carp
(see Appendix B). Reports from citizens during this time period suggested that many
more fish may have perished on High Rock Lake, but were not observed by investigators
due to access difficulties, scavenging, and limited manpower.
Fish Species
Fish kill reports in 2002 involved 21 different species of fish across the state (Figure 4).
Freshwater species most commonly identified during investigations included sunfishes,
catfishes, and largemouth bass. Estuarine species most commonly reported included
menhaden. Menhaden, which have historically been involved in a majority of yearly kill
events, were cited in only eight kills during 2002. Menhaden reports decreased as a
result of reduced kill activity in the state’s estuaries.
Figure 4: Fish species observed during 2002 fish kill events
8
Other animals were observed at about 15 percent of the year’s kill events. These
included blue crab, Rangia clams, scallops, Asian clams, crayfish, turtles, and ducks. A
large kill of rangia clams was reported on the Yeopim River (Perquimans County) from
unknown causes in August. Investigators also reported a significant kill of asian clams as
a result of drought effects on the South Yadkin River (Davie County).
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine Pathology Results
During 2002, Dr. Mac Law along with NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine staff and
veterinary students, assisted DWQ investigators by performing gross and microscopic
evaluations of fish found dead and fish found stressed and/or diseased in association with
fish kill events. Dr. Mac Law is an American College of Veterinary Pathology (ACVP)
board-certified veterinary pathologist at the North Carolina State University College of
Veterinary Medicine.
The year was relatively quiet for fish kill activity in the state's estuaries, so Dr. Law’s
staff was asked to evaluate only a small number (less than 20) of Atlantic menhaden from
only three kill events. Most of these fish had no remarkable gross or microscopic lesions,
and the cause of the kills was not associated with a particular disease syndrome (i.e.,
some kills were attributed to low dissolved oxygen, which leaves no observable lesions
behind). The few lesioned fish associated with fish kills had chronic symptoms and
fungal infections consistent with ulcerative mycosis described by Noga, et al (1993). At
present Dr. Law’s staff has been unable to establish a solid link between the presence of
lesioned menhaden or the presence of potentially harmful algal species (such as toxic
Pfiesteria) with fish kill events that they have helped investigate.
The NCSU laboratory also helped DWQ investigate a large kill of common carp in High
Rock Lake, NC. Since carp were the only species affected, a viral agent was suspected
and fish samples were submitted for virus isolation. No viruses were found in any of the
samples. Lesions were, however, consistent with a bacterial infection that caused severe
gill pathology.
9
2002 Summary
The number of fish kills reported across North Carolina during 2002 declined from
previous yearly figures to 46. This is the lowest number of reports since the DWQ began
systematically tracking fish kill activity in 1996. Reported fish mortalities were also low,
totaling about 270,000 fish.
As North Carolina entered a fourth year of drought conditions in 2002, environmental
conditions conducive to fish kills appeared to worsen. Severe conditions were
experienced throughout the midsection of the state where most flows in monitored
streams dropped below 10 percent of normal. These conditions further resulted in stream
stagnation, depleted dissolved oxygen levels, and high salinities (coastal areas). The
effects of the drought were common in reports from investigators throughout the season.
Reports to ESB showed the worse kill activity shifted away from coastal estuaries where
the most activity was reported in prior years, to inland streams and reservoirs where
water levels were critically low. About 85 percent of the 2002 fish mortality was
reported from freshwaters.
Although the drought played a role in many kill events during 2002, the drought effects
surprisingly did not increase the total number of events or total fish mortality for 2002
over prior yearly figures. Investigators pointed to several conditions brought on by the
drought that may have acted to suppress fish kills in 2002. Drought conditions drastically
reduced freshwater flows into estuaries and coastal systems. Areas that typically
experience water column stratification at the saltwater and freshwater interface were
more saline in 2002 and thus less stratified. Water quality problems associated with
stratification, such as hypoxia, were reported on a much smaller scale in coastal areas.
Less freshwater input into reservoirs and estuaries also meant less input of the nutrients
responsible for algal blooms often associated with fish kills. ESB staff received 31%
fewer reports of algal blooms statewide when compared to 2001. It was anticipated that
freshwater fish species in coastal areas would suffer from saltwater intrusion into creeks
and rivers as a result of the drought. Investigators reported eight kill events where
saltwater stress may have played a role, far fewer than the number expected. Some
investigators concluded that freshwater species were able to move far enough upstream to
avoid salty conditions, or they were more tolerant of those conditions than expected.
10
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
600000
700000
800000
900000
1000000
Fish Mortality
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Broad
Cape Fear
Catawba
Chowan
French Broad
Neuse
Lumber
Pasquotank
Roanoke
Tar/Pamlico
Watauga
White Oak
Yadkin
Year
Basin
Appendix A : Fish mortality by basin, 1996 - 2002
Appendix B: Fish kills reported to DWQ
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
1/3/2002 030501 WL02002 Pasture Branch near Molly's Onslow Mullet 540 Water quality measurements were normal at time of investigation.
Landing Investigators suspected extreme cold mayy have induced kill.
1/3/2002 030502 WL02001 New River US 17 in Onslow White perch 30 Water quality readings were normal at time of investigation. Marine patrol
Jacksonville indicated fish looked fine with no sores or injuries. Investigators suspected
cold temperatures induced kill.
1/10/2002 030716 FA02001 Hitchcock Creek Lake McKinney Richmond Bluegill, 70 Kill caused by uncured concrete coming in contact with water below Lake
Largemouth bass, McKinney spillway. No fines or penalties assessed by NCWRC.
Chain pickerel,
Pirate perch,
Catfish
1/24/2002 030307 WA02001 Bay Lake Beaufort shad, sunfish, 500 Cause of fish kill is unknown, fish found at event were severely
perch, catfish, gar decomposed and water conditions were within resonable expectations. The
weather on the day the kill was reported was 70+ F and winds 20+
WSW, and there were multiple rainfall events within the last two weeks.
Past several days were rainy with aprox. 1.5" rain. Fish had been reported
dead one or two here and there within the last week or so, wind had
pushed all of dead fish together in corner of canal and drawn the attention
of residents. Salt was high and DO was low in some canals. Canals closest
to outlet were fresher with normal DO those farthest from canal outlet
were salter and had lower DO near the bottom.
1/25/2002 030407 WA02002 Private Pond near Farmville Pitt shad, sunfish, 3800 Community fishing pond next to Farmville Waste Water Treatment Plant.
perch Past several days were rainy with aprox. 1.5" rain. Most of fish were several
days dead with a few that had died with in a day ( still had color to scales).
Area around pond was mostly swamp, readings at the time of
investigation were with in normal range. Overflow from swamp could have
caused pond to turn over.
4/4/2002 030623 WL02003 Floyd Lake Onslow sunfish 200 Lake level extremly low - pond had become 2 water bodies. Kill occurred
in the larger, deeper pond. Two stations were sampled in the larger pond,
one station in the smaller pond. A cold front came in overnight (after the
kill) and it was overcast.
Page 1 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
4/12/2002 030307 WA02003 Canal Middle Street Beaufort sunfish, 50 Fish seen floating along the surface being pushed out toward main body of
Aurora largemouth bass, Pamlico river. Neighbor along the canal reported seeing dead fish on
mosquito fish 4/11/02. Parameters were within normal ranges for south side of Middle
St. with the exception of high DO % Sat., bloom suspected. Parameters on
the north side of Middle St. had a low DO. Other canals were obseved in
the area and a few dead fish were also found in them, again parameters for
these canals were with in normal ranges. Water samples contained a dense
algal bloom of dinoflagellates, ciliates, and some euglenoids and
cryptomonads.
4/14/2002 030413 WA02004 Alligator Creek NC 55 near Pamlico Menhaden 3060 Fish kill took place in Pamlico Co. on Alligator Cr. The kill spanned for a
Stonewall quarter mile downstream from HWY55 bridge south of the town of
Stonewall. Only menhaden were observed in the kill, none with lesions.
The fish appeared to be around 24hrs old. The creek is very shallow and
narrow and there were thunderstorms moving through the area for a couple
of days. There was an algal bloom present and samples were taken.
4/18/2002 040306 AS02001 Cane Creek at Bakersville Mitchell Trout, Northern 1062 Kill event was caused by a petroleum spill into Cane Creek on 4/16/02.
hogsucker, sunfish, Most fish appeared to have died quickly from an acute event and did not
stoneroller, show signs of disease. Many carcasses contained residues of petroleum.
bluehead chub, NCWRC requested a reimbursment from the responsible party of $1825.
shiners
4/19/2002 030617 WL02004 Pete Dye Lake New Hanover Carp, Bass, 200 Investigators suspected prior application of copper based algaecide as cause
Sunfish, Eel for kill. 5 gallons of Cutrine Plus applied 3 days prior to event. Lake is also
shallow and in the vicinity of golf course with no buffers. The lake has
experienced fish kill events at numerous times in the past.
4/24/2002 030622 WL02005 Nash Johnson Lake Duplin Sunfish, Bass 1000 Water at time of investigation described as green with floating filamentous
mats. Water samples analyzed by ESB didi not show evidence of bloom
event.
5/9/2002 030307 WA02005 Pamlico River Hawkins Beach Beaufort Menhaden 250 95 percent of affected fish had lesions. Increasing water temperatures and
sudden changes in water conditions due to wind shifts may have caused a
marked change in DO or salinity. Lesioned fish may not have been able to
adjust to these changes, having difficulty in osmoregulating and moving to
areas where oxygen, salinity, and temperatures would not have been at such
stressful levels.
Page 2 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
5/12/2002 030104 WA02006 Village Creek Edenton Chowan Shad, bluegill, 500 Discharge water from a fire at the Chowan Veneer facility on Thursday,
Largemouth bass, May 9, was observed running into the headwaters of Village Creek.
White Catfish Firefighters placed hay at the entry and exit outlets on a small impoundment
on Village Creek to contain the runoff. No chemicals were known to be in
the plant during the time of the fire, with the exception of wood dye
(makeup unknown). The cause of the fire was traced to a faulty conveyor
belt; the origin of the fire was not under suspicion.
5/22/2002 030710 FA02002 Pee Dee River Below Tillery Montgomery Treadfin Shad 3000 CP&L biologists investigated the kill. They suspect that shad were
Dam schooling near the dam and high wind and wave action forced them over
the dam and into the tailrace. Mortalities appeared to be a result of falling
over the dam and hitting the dam apron. Dam operators had noticed large
schools of shad in the forebay area preceeding kill.
6/1/2002 030618 FA02003 Black Lake behind Bladen Yellow perch 300 Hot weather days prior. No causes suggested by investigators.
Clubhouse
6/5/2002 030409 WA02007 Weyerhaeuser Pond Pitt Sunfish, Carp, 200 A fire occurred at the Weyerhaeuser saw mill on Saturday, June 1, 2002
Largemouth bass around 5:00. After the fire, many aeriation pumps were turned off. The
pond where the fish were dead is the last in a series before it discharges
into Little Swift Creek. This pond is the last to receive flow and aeriation.
The intense heat combined with shallow water is believed to be the reason
for the low dissolved oxygen.
6/17/2002 030410 WA02008 Slocum Creek Near Cherry Craven Channel catfish 62 Approximately 62 Channel catfish were found severely decomposed in the
Point upper reaches of navigable waters of Slocum Cr. Dissolved oxygen levels
were found to be less than 1 mg/L from 1 meter down to the bottom in
the area of the fishkill. Heavy rains two days prior most likely caused a
flushing type event, which pushed stagnant water from upstream areas
containing very little if any dissolved oxygen into the area of the fishkill.
Persistant drought conditions have caused many creeks along the neuse
River estuary to become highly saline which could also stress freshwater
fish species. Salinity levels at the site of the fishkill were higher than
expected, and were found throughout most of the water column. In the
area of the fishkill thousands of healthy Atlantic Menhaden were observed
swimming in the uppermost layer of the water column. No other species
were found dead in this fishkill, although several other were observed in the
area after the event.
Page 3 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
7/2/2002 030153 WA02023 Albemarle Sound Hwy 32, Tyrrell Menhaden 1000 Mr. Winslow called PRRT and reported that DMF had responded to a fish
Mackeys side kill. Approximately 1000 menhaden 8-9" in length washed along shore.
The fish had no signs of lesions and were decaying. DO levels 8 mg/L,
salinity 4.1 ppt and water temp. 28.5-30.3°C. DMF officials believe the
kill to be a release of eel pot bait.
7/3/2002 030410 WA02009 Neuse River near Fairfield Craven Atlantic menhaden 400 A small kill comprised of Atlantic Menhaden with all fish showing lesions.
Harbor This kill is most likely a result of high temperatures stressing lesioned fish.
Many healthy schools were sampled in the area of the kill and those fish
that were sampled showed less than 1% lesions. No algae bloom activity
was found at the kill area and most fish were found in a small very shallow
bay.
7/4/2002 030410 WA02010 Neuse River Bridgeton Craven Atlantic menhaden, 6500 Approximately 6500 dead Atlantic Menhaden were found along a stretch of
Striped Bass the Neuse River at Bridgeton. Fish appeared to be around 12 hours old,
and had died in the area offshore of Bridgeton and were blown onto the
shoreline, and into grass beds along the eastern shoreline of the Neuse
River. Conditions in the area of the fishkill were stratified for several days
prior to this event and, several smaller similar kills had also occured just
downstream along the same shoreline. Hot conditions and a persistant salt
wedge caused severe stratification in the Neuse River from Johnson Pt. to
upstream of New Bern. These conditions most likely caused the death of
lesioned fish swimming in that area due to added stress of high water
temperatures, and low oxygen conditions.
7/7/2002 030502 WL02006 Little Northeast Creek Jacksonville Onslow Largemouth bass, 150 A fish kill was investigated by NRRT on 7/7/02 at 14:30. Upon
Pickerel, Sunfish, investigation approximately 150 mixed species of fish were found in Little
Atlantic menhaden Northeast Creek , a trib. of the New River. The fish apeared to be about
48hrs old with no obvious signs of sores or lesions. There had been severe
thunder storms in the area two days before the kill was reported. The
salinity in the creek was high and the DO was very low.
7/8/2002 030407 RA02001 Private Pond near Wilson Largemouth Bass, 196000 Ben Smith, Stantonsburg Wastewater Plant ORC, reported seeing fish
Stantonsburg Sunfish, Minnows mortality at about 8 PM July 6, and by 10 AM July 7, all activity had ceased.
He measured DO on Sunday AM at about 0.5 mg/l. Strongly suspect hot
pond water had relatively low DO, then rainstorm went to the bottom
and caused the pond to "turn over". Investigator certain fish died from lack
of oxygen. Impacted all sizes and all species over a short period of time.
Page 4 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
7/9/2002 030155 WA02011 Pamlico Sound near Oregon Dare Flounder, 54 Commercial gill netting for flounder and mullet occuring in area prior to kill.
Inlet Houndfish, Pinfish, Fish looked dead for quite some time. Investigators unable to definitely
Mullet, Toadfish conclude that fish were net discards.
7/11/2002 030307 WA02012 Back Creek near Hwy 92 Beaufort Croaker, Pinfish 33 Juvenile croakers 3- 5 in. in length were found over a 200m stretch of
Bridge Back Creek, a tributary of Bath Creek. The fish appeared to have been dead
for 12 - 24 hrs. Low DO levels and recent heavy storms may have
contributed to the kill.
7/19/2002 030704 MO02001 High Rock Lake Second Creek Rowan Shad, Crappie, 2000 Water had receeded due to drought trapping fish in a shallow, isolated pool
arm near Bringle Catfish near the Bringle Ferry Rd. bridge. Fish most likely succumbed due to low
Ferry Road dissolved oxygen levels.
7/29/2002 030704 MO02002 High Rock Lake Crane Creek Rowan Carp, Crappie, 1000 Water had receeded trapping fish in a shallow, isolated pool near the
Arm Catfish Goodman Lake Rd Bridge. Fish most likely succumbed due to low
dissolved oxygen levels.
7/30/2002 030410 WA02013 Neuse River between Stately Craven Croaker, Silver 25330 It is likely that these fish did not die in the area where they were counted.
and Carolina perch, Pinfish, Northwest winds were blowing them into the Stately Pines/Carolina Pines
Pines Menhaden area. Just upriver at CM# 11 and Flanner's Beach the water column was
very stratified with very little if any DO in the lower layers. Water
temperatures were over 32° C (90° F) throughout the area where dead fish
were found. Nearly all of the fish found were juvenile, and were most
likely killed by stress related to extremely high water temperatures/low DO.
7/30/2002 030704 WS02001 Peters Creek Winston Salem Forsyth Sunfish, Suckers, 1000 Kill caused by a fire at P&B distributors on Chatham Street in Winston
Minnow Sp. Salem on 7-30-02. Chemicals from the fire migrated to Peter's Creek
8/1/2002 030104 WA02014 Albemarle Sound near Sandy Beaufort striped bass 150 NC DMF personnel discovered 150 dead striped bass in the Albemarle
Point Sound from the Hwy 32 bridge west to the Chowan River bridge, a
distance of approximately 7.6 mi. Although gill nets were present in the
area, no apparent net marks were found on the fish. Dissolved Oxygen
levels were within normal ranges, however high water temperatures
throughout the kill zone may have been a contributing factor in the kill.
Page 5 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
8/3/2002 030152 WA02019 Yeopim River near Bethel Perquimans none 2000 Approximately 1,000 dead clams in vicinity of boat ramp at Bethal Fishing
Center on the Yeopim River. Most clams on shore were without shell.
Several more clams floating in shell in water around boat ramp.
8/7/2002 030307 WA02015 Blounts Creek below Hwy 33 Beaufort Catfish 50 Water was green in color . Several phyto samples were sent to ESB for
Bridge analysis. Stress from high salinity and low Do were suspected as factors in
the death of the fish. The phyto samples were dominated by a benign
Peridinium dinoflagellate, and euglenoids were common.
8/8/2002 030152 WA02016 Canal off Albemarle near Holiday Perquimans Menhaden 300 300 menhaden observed floating on surface of water. Grayish film on
Sound Island water with thick mats of green algae and spots of duckweed. Homeowner
reported that there has been no water movement since December. Fish are
believed to have swam into area where the number of fish quickly reduced
the amount of oxygen in the water to anoxic levels, thus killing the
menhaden. No other fish species were present. There were also reports of
approximately 75 canadian geese utilizing the area frequently, but no signs
of fecal matter that could have affected the water.
8/9/2002 030401 RA02002 Private pond Creedmore Granville Sunfish, Catfish, 300 Rain and low pond levels prior to kill. Fish samples showed no signs of
Carp, Largemouth disease or lesions.
bass
8/14/2002 030619 FA02004 Rice's Run near Beaman Sampson Warmouth 100 Fish apparently died from the lack of dissolved oxygen. The kill is a pool
Crossroads located beside SR 1335 on Rice's run which is a small trib. to Great
Coharrie. DO was 0.33 mg/L. The pool had no flow associated with it.
Weather conditions were hot, humid and dry.
8/21/2002 030706 WS02002 South Yadkin River near Cooleemee Davie Clam Kill 1000 Investigators believe kill was caused by manipulation of pool area behind
the run of the river water supply dam at Cooleemee. Two weeks prior to
the event the dam gates were closed to raise pool levels above the dam .
Except for seepage, no water was allowed to flow downstream from the
dam during this time. Clams were reported killed from a lack of water
flow.
8/22/2002 030153 WA02020 Albemarle Sound Hwy 32 Bridge Washington Striped bass, White 120 Most striped bass showed no signs of disease or lesions. Most fish seen on
catfish shore and decomposed. Water temperature was high and was suspected as
a cause.
Page 6 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
8/23/2002 030307 WA02017 Blounts Creek near Cotton Beaufort Catfish 13024 Extremely elevated salinity levels and low dissolved oxygen levels were the
Patch Landing cause of the kill. Salinity readings of 12 ppt in a creek with an average
reading of 3 ppt or below created stressful conditions too difficult for the
fish to overcome. Some fish are still in distress, prolonging the kill.
8/23/2002 030307 WA02018 Chocowinity Creek Hwy 33 Bridge Beaufort Catfish 500 Combination of high salinities and low DO stressed fish. At time of
investigation there were approx. 3000 fish gasping for air upstream of
bridge. Expected these fish to perish in next few days. Fish very visible
from Hwy 33 bridge.
8/26/2002 030307 WA02021 South Creek near Idalia Beaufort Carp, Catfish, 850 Investigators responded to a call from a concerned citizen regarding dead
Sunfish, carp in South Creek. The kill was several days old and the majority of fish
Largemouth bass were in advanced stages of decay. Low DO's and high salinity levels
appeared to be the cause of the kill.
9/12/2002 030616 FA02005 White Lake Bladen Yellow perch 300 Water quality parameters within normal range at time of investigation.
9/16/2002 030616 FA02006 White Lake Bladen Largemouth bass, 200 Fish reported dead near marina on the downwind side of the lake.
Yellow perch
9/27/2002 030704 WS02003 High Rock Lake Abbotts Creek Davidson Carp, Sunfish, 1000 Investigators reported strong wastewater and sulfur smell in area. Water
arm Crappie, Shad color reported as very dark.
10/2/2002 030617 WL02007 Rice Creek, Town At confluence Brunswick Striped mullet, 50 Low dissolved oxygen levels reported throughout the sample area. Aquatic
Creek Largemouth bass, weed (Elodea?) very prevalent throughout the creeks.
Pickerel, Sunfish,
Shad
Page 7 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
10/3/2002 030704 WS02004 High Rock Lake Abbotts Creek Davidson Carp, Striped bass 1000 Investigators reported ph and DO levels indicative of an algal bloom. Fish
Arm kill attributed to low DO levels. Water reported dark and turbid in some
areas. Green surface film also observed in Abbotts Creek. Results of ESB
analysis indicated that High Rock Lake (near Buddle Creek) experienced a
extremely dense algal bloom (> 140,000 units/ml). The bloom was
dominated by filamentous blue greens, primarily ( 36%) Oscillatoria
geminata. O. geminata is a common bloom former and found in many
waters throughout the state. The alga is known to discolor water and
cause taste and odor problems.
10/15/200 030153 WA02022 Thirty Foot Canal between Phelps Washington Sunfish, Shad, 200 none
2 Lake and Carp, Largemouth
Scuppernong R. bass
10/31/200 030835 MO02003 Ut to Clark Creek near Newton Catawba Catfish 200 Most fish removed and buried before investigators arrived. Carp and sunfish
2 were abundant in the pond and not affected. the Surface water samples
contained filamentous bluegreen microalga Anabaena, a common species in
North Carolina. Investigators suspected a bacterial infection of the catfish
caused by environmental stress.
Page 8 of 8

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North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Annual Report of Fish Kill Events
2002
Water Quality Section
Environmental Science Branch
Raleigh, NC
December 2002
Introduction
The investigation of fish kill activity across the state currently involves protocols
established by the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) in 1996. The
protocols were developed with assistance from Regional Office staff, North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission biologists, and Division of Marine Fisheries personnel
as a means to improve the tracking and reporting of fish kill events in North Carolina.
Fish kill and fish health investigations are recorded on a standardized form and sent to the
Division’s Environmental Sciences Branch (ESB) where the data are reviewed and
compiled. Data from fish kill investigation forms and supplemental information sent to
the ESB are entered into a central database where the data can be managed and retrieved
for use in reports to concerned parties. The procedure also requires the notification of
appropriate state officials and scientists associated with the investigation of such events.
In addition, reported kill information is updated weekly on the ESB website at:
www.esb.enr.state.nc.us/Fishkill/fishkillmain.htm.
This document is a summary of fish kill events reported to the DWQ from January to mid
December, 2002. The report is mandated under Section 4 of Chapter 633 of the 1995
North Carolina General Assembly Session Laws.
1
2002 Fish Kill Summary
Field investigators reported 46 fish kill events from January to December, 2002. Kill
events were reported from the coast to as far west as Mitchell County in 9 of the state’s
17 major river basins. The ESB tracks fish kill events when at least 25 fish are affected
and when the event is confirmed by investigators.
The total fish mortality for all 2002 reports was 269,635. This figure represents a sharp
drop from the 2001 figure and is the lowest total since systematic fish kill reporting
began in 1996. Mortality totals for individual events ranged from 30 to 196,000 with a
median mortality of 350. Two-thirds of the fish kill activity for 2002 was reported from
freshwater locations leaving about one-third of reports from estuarine waters. No reports
were received from the Atlantic Ocean.
Total Kill Events for 2001 46
Total Mortality for 2001 269,635 (229,796 Freshwater, 39839 Estuarine)
Report Mortality Range 30 to 196,000
Report Median Mortality 350
Basins with Activity 9 (of 17)
Freshwater Kills 30
Estuarine Kills 16
2
Figure 1 : Fish Kill Events Reported to NCDWQ - 2002
#
#
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# #
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# #
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#
PITT
WAKE
HYDE
DUPLIN
BLADEN
PENDER
UNION
WILKES
NASH
BERTIE
ROBESON
SAMPSON
MOORE
HALIFAX
COLUMBUS
ONSLOW
ASHE SURRY
ANSON
WAYNE
BURKE
JOHNSTON
CHATHAM
IREDELL
RANDOLPH
JONES
HOKE
LEE
ROWAN
BRUNSWICK
HARNETT
GUILFORD
MARTIN
BUNCOMBE
STOKES
DAVIDSON
LENOIR
ACKSON STANLY
HAYWOOD
DARE
GATES
FRANKLIN
WARREN
MADISON
PERSON
GRANVILLE
CUMBERLAND
WILSON
ORANGE
BEAUFORT
YADKIN
POLK
CASWELL
DAVIE
TYRRELL
CALDWELL
RICHMOND
FORSYTH
GASTON
ROCKINGHAM
CATAWBA
RUTHERFORD
ALAMANCE
CLEVELAND
VANCE
EDGECOMBE
MCDOWELL
YANCEY
AVERY
MECKLENBURG
LINCOLN
NORTHAMPTON
DURHAM
MONTGOMERY
PAMLICO
CABARRUS
HERTFORD
GREENE
WATAUGA
CRAVEN
SCOTLAND
HENDERSON
CAMDEN
WASHINGTON
TRANSYLVANIA
MITCHELL
ALEXANDER
CARTERET
ALLEGHANY
CHOWAN
PERQUIMANS
CURRITUCK
PASQUOTANK
NEW HANOVER
#
Reported Fish Mortalities
# 30 - 900
# 1000 - 4000
# 5000 - 13000
# 25000
# 196000
0 20 40Miles
3
Basin Activity
Investigators reported fish kill events in 9 of the state’s 17 major river basins during 2002
(Figure 1, Table 1). The Neuse River basin produced the most activity this year with nine
events, followed by the Tar/Pamlico, Cape Fear and Yadkin River basins with eight
events each. Clusters of events were reported around the lower Neuse and Pamlico
estuaries, a trend common in previous year’s investigations. A number of reports were
also received from the Pasquotank River basin around the western end of Albemarle
Sound. Kill reports from the Yadkin River basin were notable around High Rock Lake as
a result of drought effects and low lake levels (see Drought Effects below).
Table 1: Fish kill reports by basin, 1996 - 2002
Annual totals of statewide events have averaged around 60 since 1996 with a maximum
of 77 reports in 2001. Only 46 reports were received in 2002. The decrease in 2002 was
not expected, especially in light of poor environmental conditions across the state brought
about by drought.
Most reports were received during the warmest months of the 2002 season – July and
August. These months mark the period where fish stress is at a maximum from
environmental factors such as low dissolved oxygen, high water temperatures, and
fluctuating salinities.
Fish Mortality
Investigators reported a total of 269,635 fish killed during the 46 events of 2002. Nearly
three-quarters of the year’s fish mortality occurred at a single event in Wilson County.
Fish mortality figures on reports ranged from 30 to 196,000 with a median mortality of
350 fish. Total annual mortality figures have ranged from about 92,000 (1997) to over 1.3
River Basin 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Broad None None None 1 None None None
Cape Fear 21 16 23 14 12 5 8
Catawba None 3 1 3 2 4 1
Chowan 2 2 1 1 None 1 2
French Broad None 2 3 1 None None 1
Neuse 14 12 8 16 23 37 9
Lumber 4 3 5 None 2 None None
Pasquotank 10 2 8 2 None 1 6
Roanoke 2 None 1 None None None None
Tar/Pamlico 3 6 5 11 14 23 8
Watauga None None None 1 None None None
White Oak 3 3 1 3 3 3 3
Yadkin 1 10 2 1 2 3 8
Totals 60 57 58 54 58 77 46
4
million (2001). The total for 2002 represents a sharp drop from yearly totals reported for
the previous four years (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Reported annual fish kill events and mortality, 1996 to 2002
Suspected Causes of 2002 Events
Specific causes of fish kill events may or may not be obvious to investigators depending
on a host of factors. Many causes may quickly be defined, but others remain unconfirmed
or unclear due to an investigation occurring after the fact. Kill events often result from
many environmental conditions, and sorting out the major reason(s) why fish are dieing is
frequently a difficult and often subjective task. The NCDWQ reviews and tracks
suspected causes of fish kills reported by field investigators. Suspected cause reports aid
in evaluating potential water quality trends and problems, and assist scientists and
decision-makers with formulating future courses of action. Suspected cause reports
should not be viewed as a definitive label for a particular event.
Reported causes of 2002 kill events are summarized into six categories –dissolve oxygen
(DO) induced events, algal bloom related events, spills, bycatch, and other
(miscellaneous) causes. Those events where no specific causes could be determined were
assigned as “unknown” (Figure 3).
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Year
Total Events
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
1,400,000
1,600,000
Total Fish Mortality
Total Events Total Fish Mortality
5
Dissolved Oxygen Depletion: Poor dissolved oxygen (DO) was cited as a factor in 33
percent of the kill events during 2002. Unlike the trend in previous years, the majority of
DO related kills were reported in fresh waters. Freshwater DO events were reported in
conjuction with low flows and high water temperatures brought about by the state’s
ongoing drought conditions, most notably in July and August. Although several DO
related events occurred in
estuarine waters, the
intense kill activity
historically associated with
DO problems in the lower
Neuse and Pamlico Rivers
was reduced in 2002.
Harmful Algal Blooms:
Nutrient enrichment of
waterbodies throughout
North Carolina has resulted
in eutrophication and algal
blooms, common factors in
fish kill events. Algal
blooms cause dissolved
oxygen (DO) and pH
fluctuations as well as DO
depletion through diurnal cycles and algal decomposition. These elements often precede
fish kills events. Certain types of algae also release toxins during the course of a bloom
that are detrimental to aquatic life. Blooms were suspected in 7 percent of the fish kill
events for the year. A dense bloom of the blue-green alga Oscillatoria geminata
occurred in High Rock Lake near Buddle Creek in October. The bloom depleted DO
levels and was a factor in the death of 1,000 common carp and striped bass. Water
samples from two estuarine fish kills contained dense blooms of dinoflagellates, ciliates,
some euglenoids and cryptomonads (see Appendix B).
During 2002, the ESB staff routinely examined water samples associated with estuarine
fish kills for the presence of Pfiesteria and Pfiesteria-like organisms. ESB examinations
were performed using light and epifluorescent microscopy. Suspect samples warranting
further confirmation for toxic Pfiesteria species were also forwarded to UNC-Greensboro
and the NCSU Center for Applied Aquatic Ecology for further tests. These tests included
fish bioassays, scanning electron microscopy, and an RNA probe that can discern the
presence of actual Pfiesteria cells.
Pfiesteria-like cells examined by ESB staff during 2002 appeared as nontoxic obligate
autotrophs and not forms historically associated with fish health events. At the time of
this report, all confirmatory tests results have been reported as negative and all involved
laboratories have reported that toxic Pfiesteria was not a causal factor in any of the 2002
events.
Figure 3: Suspected causes for fish kills - 2002
Dissolved
Oxygen
33%
Blooms
7%
Bycatch
2%
Other
13%
Unknown
34%
Spills
11%
6
Spills: Toxic spills either deplete DO levels in receiving streams or induce kills outright
through physical or chemical toxicity. Spills were reported as a cause in 11 percent of the
kill events during 2002 (Table 2).
Table 2: Spill-induced fish kills during 2002.
Date Waterbody County Mortality Comments
1/10 Hitchcock Creek Richmond 70 Kill caused by uncured concrete coming in contact with
water below Lake McKinney spillway.
4/18 Cane Creek Mitchell 1062 Kill event was caused by a petroleum spill into Cane
Creek on 4/16/02.
4/19 Pete Dye Lake New Hanover 200 Investigators suspected prior application of copper based
algacide as cause for kill.
5/12 Village Creek Chowan 500 Kill caused by discharge water from a fire at the Chowan
Veneer facility.
7/30 Peter’s Creek Forsyth 1000 Kill caused by a fire at P&B distributors on Chatham
Street in Winston Salem on 7/30/02. Chemicals from
the fire migrated to Peter's Creek.
Bycatch: Discarded fish from nearby fishing operations was reported as a cause in only
one kill event during 2002. A kill of 1,000 menhaden was reported on Albemarle Sound
by Division of Marine Fisheries investigators in late October. Investigators suspected the
fish were discarded eel pot bait.
Other: Miscellaneous causes were reported for 13 percent of the fish kills during 2002.
Fish were reported killed by extremes in temperature in several reports both during the
winter and summer. A bacterial infection of catfish in Catawba County and trauma in
associated with a dam spillway affecting threadfin shad on the Pee Dee River were
among other miscellaneous events.
Unknown Causes: Causes for kill events are listed as unknown when investigators fail to
report specific reasons for an event. Investigations may not provide definitive causes
when they are conducted too long after an event and no clear factors are determined, or
when causes are suspected but not confirmed. Investigators failed to cite specific causes
for an event in 34 percent of the year’s reports. Reports with unknown causes were
received from both estuarine and fresh waters. Investigators reported dead or
decomposed fish even though water quality measurements and water samples failed to
suggest a problem.
Drought Effects: North Carolina entered a fourth consecutive year of drought conditions
in 2002. The entire state was affected with the center of the state experiencing the most
severe conditions, and the far western and eastern sections generally experiencing
moderate drought. During June and July, 80 percent of the monitored streams across the
state were at less than 10 percent of normal flow for that time of year (www.ncwater.org).
Some areas across the state reported rainfall levels from 40 to 60 inches below normal
since the drought began.
7
19
13
11
8 8 8
5
4
3 3 3 3 3 3
2 2
1 1 1 1 1
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Sunfish
Catfish
Largemouth bass
Shad
Carp
Menhaden
Minnow
Srtiped Bass
Perch
Crappie
Pinfish
Mullet
Pickerel
Yellow Perch
Croaker
Sucker
Flounder
Mosquitofish
Gar
Eel
Trout
Species
Number of Events
Drought conditions were evident in many fish kill reports submitted by investigators
during 2002. Reports from the eastern sections of the state often mentioned low
dissolved oxygen levels associated with low river flows and subsequent stagnation.
Eastern investigations also revealed areas with extremely high salinities due to the lack of
freshwater inflow. High salinities were blamed for the stress and mortality of freshwater
fishes in a number of waterways around the Neuse and Pamlico estuaries. Investigators
from the Piedmont often reported fish kills occurring simply from a lack of water.
Numerous investigations as well as a number of anecdotal reports from citizens described
extremely low river flows and lake levels that trapped fish in small pockets without
adequate oxygen to sustain the schools.
The year’s most high profile events occurred on High Rock Lake (Davidson and Rowan
Counties) during a period from July to October. Record low stream-flows into High Rock
Lake reduced water levels over 20 feet below full pool by September. The low water
levels were a factor in the death of at least 5,000 fish most of which were common carp
(see Appendix B). Reports from citizens during this time period suggested that many
more fish may have perished on High Rock Lake, but were not observed by investigators
due to access difficulties, scavenging, and limited manpower.
Fish Species
Fish kill reports in 2002 involved 21 different species of fish across the state (Figure 4).
Freshwater species most commonly identified during investigations included sunfishes,
catfishes, and largemouth bass. Estuarine species most commonly reported included
menhaden. Menhaden, which have historically been involved in a majority of yearly kill
events, were cited in only eight kills during 2002. Menhaden reports decreased as a
result of reduced kill activity in the state’s estuaries.
Figure 4: Fish species observed during 2002 fish kill events
8
Other animals were observed at about 15 percent of the year’s kill events. These
included blue crab, Rangia clams, scallops, Asian clams, crayfish, turtles, and ducks. A
large kill of rangia clams was reported on the Yeopim River (Perquimans County) from
unknown causes in August. Investigators also reported a significant kill of asian clams as
a result of drought effects on the South Yadkin River (Davie County).
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine Pathology Results
During 2002, Dr. Mac Law along with NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine staff and
veterinary students, assisted DWQ investigators by performing gross and microscopic
evaluations of fish found dead and fish found stressed and/or diseased in association with
fish kill events. Dr. Mac Law is an American College of Veterinary Pathology (ACVP)
board-certified veterinary pathologist at the North Carolina State University College of
Veterinary Medicine.
The year was relatively quiet for fish kill activity in the state's estuaries, so Dr. Law’s
staff was asked to evaluate only a small number (less than 20) of Atlantic menhaden from
only three kill events. Most of these fish had no remarkable gross or microscopic lesions,
and the cause of the kills was not associated with a particular disease syndrome (i.e.,
some kills were attributed to low dissolved oxygen, which leaves no observable lesions
behind). The few lesioned fish associated with fish kills had chronic symptoms and
fungal infections consistent with ulcerative mycosis described by Noga, et al (1993). At
present Dr. Law’s staff has been unable to establish a solid link between the presence of
lesioned menhaden or the presence of potentially harmful algal species (such as toxic
Pfiesteria) with fish kill events that they have helped investigate.
The NCSU laboratory also helped DWQ investigate a large kill of common carp in High
Rock Lake, NC. Since carp were the only species affected, a viral agent was suspected
and fish samples were submitted for virus isolation. No viruses were found in any of the
samples. Lesions were, however, consistent with a bacterial infection that caused severe
gill pathology.
9
2002 Summary
The number of fish kills reported across North Carolina during 2002 declined from
previous yearly figures to 46. This is the lowest number of reports since the DWQ began
systematically tracking fish kill activity in 1996. Reported fish mortalities were also low,
totaling about 270,000 fish.
As North Carolina entered a fourth year of drought conditions in 2002, environmental
conditions conducive to fish kills appeared to worsen. Severe conditions were
experienced throughout the midsection of the state where most flows in monitored
streams dropped below 10 percent of normal. These conditions further resulted in stream
stagnation, depleted dissolved oxygen levels, and high salinities (coastal areas). The
effects of the drought were common in reports from investigators throughout the season.
Reports to ESB showed the worse kill activity shifted away from coastal estuaries where
the most activity was reported in prior years, to inland streams and reservoirs where
water levels were critically low. About 85 percent of the 2002 fish mortality was
reported from freshwaters.
Although the drought played a role in many kill events during 2002, the drought effects
surprisingly did not increase the total number of events or total fish mortality for 2002
over prior yearly figures. Investigators pointed to several conditions brought on by the
drought that may have acted to suppress fish kills in 2002. Drought conditions drastically
reduced freshwater flows into estuaries and coastal systems. Areas that typically
experience water column stratification at the saltwater and freshwater interface were
more saline in 2002 and thus less stratified. Water quality problems associated with
stratification, such as hypoxia, were reported on a much smaller scale in coastal areas.
Less freshwater input into reservoirs and estuaries also meant less input of the nutrients
responsible for algal blooms often associated with fish kills. ESB staff received 31%
fewer reports of algal blooms statewide when compared to 2001. It was anticipated that
freshwater fish species in coastal areas would suffer from saltwater intrusion into creeks
and rivers as a result of the drought. Investigators reported eight kill events where
saltwater stress may have played a role, far fewer than the number expected. Some
investigators concluded that freshwater species were able to move far enough upstream to
avoid salty conditions, or they were more tolerant of those conditions than expected.
10
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
600000
700000
800000
900000
1000000
Fish Mortality
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
Broad
Cape Fear
Catawba
Chowan
French Broad
Neuse
Lumber
Pasquotank
Roanoke
Tar/Pamlico
Watauga
White Oak
Yadkin
Year
Basin
Appendix A : Fish mortality by basin, 1996 - 2002
Appendix B: Fish kills reported to DWQ
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
1/3/2002 030501 WL02002 Pasture Branch near Molly's Onslow Mullet 540 Water quality measurements were normal at time of investigation.
Landing Investigators suspected extreme cold mayy have induced kill.
1/3/2002 030502 WL02001 New River US 17 in Onslow White perch 30 Water quality readings were normal at time of investigation. Marine patrol
Jacksonville indicated fish looked fine with no sores or injuries. Investigators suspected
cold temperatures induced kill.
1/10/2002 030716 FA02001 Hitchcock Creek Lake McKinney Richmond Bluegill, 70 Kill caused by uncured concrete coming in contact with water below Lake
Largemouth bass, McKinney spillway. No fines or penalties assessed by NCWRC.
Chain pickerel,
Pirate perch,
Catfish
1/24/2002 030307 WA02001 Bay Lake Beaufort shad, sunfish, 500 Cause of fish kill is unknown, fish found at event were severely
perch, catfish, gar decomposed and water conditions were within resonable expectations. The
weather on the day the kill was reported was 70+ F and winds 20+
WSW, and there were multiple rainfall events within the last two weeks.
Past several days were rainy with aprox. 1.5" rain. Fish had been reported
dead one or two here and there within the last week or so, wind had
pushed all of dead fish together in corner of canal and drawn the attention
of residents. Salt was high and DO was low in some canals. Canals closest
to outlet were fresher with normal DO those farthest from canal outlet
were salter and had lower DO near the bottom.
1/25/2002 030407 WA02002 Private Pond near Farmville Pitt shad, sunfish, 3800 Community fishing pond next to Farmville Waste Water Treatment Plant.
perch Past several days were rainy with aprox. 1.5" rain. Most of fish were several
days dead with a few that had died with in a day ( still had color to scales).
Area around pond was mostly swamp, readings at the time of
investigation were with in normal range. Overflow from swamp could have
caused pond to turn over.
4/4/2002 030623 WL02003 Floyd Lake Onslow sunfish 200 Lake level extremly low - pond had become 2 water bodies. Kill occurred
in the larger, deeper pond. Two stations were sampled in the larger pond,
one station in the smaller pond. A cold front came in overnight (after the
kill) and it was overcast.
Page 1 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
4/12/2002 030307 WA02003 Canal Middle Street Beaufort sunfish, 50 Fish seen floating along the surface being pushed out toward main body of
Aurora largemouth bass, Pamlico river. Neighbor along the canal reported seeing dead fish on
mosquito fish 4/11/02. Parameters were within normal ranges for south side of Middle
St. with the exception of high DO % Sat., bloom suspected. Parameters on
the north side of Middle St. had a low DO. Other canals were obseved in
the area and a few dead fish were also found in them, again parameters for
these canals were with in normal ranges. Water samples contained a dense
algal bloom of dinoflagellates, ciliates, and some euglenoids and
cryptomonads.
4/14/2002 030413 WA02004 Alligator Creek NC 55 near Pamlico Menhaden 3060 Fish kill took place in Pamlico Co. on Alligator Cr. The kill spanned for a
Stonewall quarter mile downstream from HWY55 bridge south of the town of
Stonewall. Only menhaden were observed in the kill, none with lesions.
The fish appeared to be around 24hrs old. The creek is very shallow and
narrow and there were thunderstorms moving through the area for a couple
of days. There was an algal bloom present and samples were taken.
4/18/2002 040306 AS02001 Cane Creek at Bakersville Mitchell Trout, Northern 1062 Kill event was caused by a petroleum spill into Cane Creek on 4/16/02.
hogsucker, sunfish, Most fish appeared to have died quickly from an acute event and did not
stoneroller, show signs of disease. Many carcasses contained residues of petroleum.
bluehead chub, NCWRC requested a reimbursment from the responsible party of $1825.
shiners
4/19/2002 030617 WL02004 Pete Dye Lake New Hanover Carp, Bass, 200 Investigators suspected prior application of copper based algaecide as cause
Sunfish, Eel for kill. 5 gallons of Cutrine Plus applied 3 days prior to event. Lake is also
shallow and in the vicinity of golf course with no buffers. The lake has
experienced fish kill events at numerous times in the past.
4/24/2002 030622 WL02005 Nash Johnson Lake Duplin Sunfish, Bass 1000 Water at time of investigation described as green with floating filamentous
mats. Water samples analyzed by ESB didi not show evidence of bloom
event.
5/9/2002 030307 WA02005 Pamlico River Hawkins Beach Beaufort Menhaden 250 95 percent of affected fish had lesions. Increasing water temperatures and
sudden changes in water conditions due to wind shifts may have caused a
marked change in DO or salinity. Lesioned fish may not have been able to
adjust to these changes, having difficulty in osmoregulating and moving to
areas where oxygen, salinity, and temperatures would not have been at such
stressful levels.
Page 2 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
5/12/2002 030104 WA02006 Village Creek Edenton Chowan Shad, bluegill, 500 Discharge water from a fire at the Chowan Veneer facility on Thursday,
Largemouth bass, May 9, was observed running into the headwaters of Village Creek.
White Catfish Firefighters placed hay at the entry and exit outlets on a small impoundment
on Village Creek to contain the runoff. No chemicals were known to be in
the plant during the time of the fire, with the exception of wood dye
(makeup unknown). The cause of the fire was traced to a faulty conveyor
belt; the origin of the fire was not under suspicion.
5/22/2002 030710 FA02002 Pee Dee River Below Tillery Montgomery Treadfin Shad 3000 CP&L biologists investigated the kill. They suspect that shad were
Dam schooling near the dam and high wind and wave action forced them over
the dam and into the tailrace. Mortalities appeared to be a result of falling
over the dam and hitting the dam apron. Dam operators had noticed large
schools of shad in the forebay area preceeding kill.
6/1/2002 030618 FA02003 Black Lake behind Bladen Yellow perch 300 Hot weather days prior. No causes suggested by investigators.
Clubhouse
6/5/2002 030409 WA02007 Weyerhaeuser Pond Pitt Sunfish, Carp, 200 A fire occurred at the Weyerhaeuser saw mill on Saturday, June 1, 2002
Largemouth bass around 5:00. After the fire, many aeriation pumps were turned off. The
pond where the fish were dead is the last in a series before it discharges
into Little Swift Creek. This pond is the last to receive flow and aeriation.
The intense heat combined with shallow water is believed to be the reason
for the low dissolved oxygen.
6/17/2002 030410 WA02008 Slocum Creek Near Cherry Craven Channel catfish 62 Approximately 62 Channel catfish were found severely decomposed in the
Point upper reaches of navigable waters of Slocum Cr. Dissolved oxygen levels
were found to be less than 1 mg/L from 1 meter down to the bottom in
the area of the fishkill. Heavy rains two days prior most likely caused a
flushing type event, which pushed stagnant water from upstream areas
containing very little if any dissolved oxygen into the area of the fishkill.
Persistant drought conditions have caused many creeks along the neuse
River estuary to become highly saline which could also stress freshwater
fish species. Salinity levels at the site of the fishkill were higher than
expected, and were found throughout most of the water column. In the
area of the fishkill thousands of healthy Atlantic Menhaden were observed
swimming in the uppermost layer of the water column. No other species
were found dead in this fishkill, although several other were observed in the
area after the event.
Page 3 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
7/2/2002 030153 WA02023 Albemarle Sound Hwy 32, Tyrrell Menhaden 1000 Mr. Winslow called PRRT and reported that DMF had responded to a fish
Mackeys side kill. Approximately 1000 menhaden 8-9" in length washed along shore.
The fish had no signs of lesions and were decaying. DO levels 8 mg/L,
salinity 4.1 ppt and water temp. 28.5-30.3°C. DMF officials believe the
kill to be a release of eel pot bait.
7/3/2002 030410 WA02009 Neuse River near Fairfield Craven Atlantic menhaden 400 A small kill comprised of Atlantic Menhaden with all fish showing lesions.
Harbor This kill is most likely a result of high temperatures stressing lesioned fish.
Many healthy schools were sampled in the area of the kill and those fish
that were sampled showed less than 1% lesions. No algae bloom activity
was found at the kill area and most fish were found in a small very shallow
bay.
7/4/2002 030410 WA02010 Neuse River Bridgeton Craven Atlantic menhaden, 6500 Approximately 6500 dead Atlantic Menhaden were found along a stretch of
Striped Bass the Neuse River at Bridgeton. Fish appeared to be around 12 hours old,
and had died in the area offshore of Bridgeton and were blown onto the
shoreline, and into grass beds along the eastern shoreline of the Neuse
River. Conditions in the area of the fishkill were stratified for several days
prior to this event and, several smaller similar kills had also occured just
downstream along the same shoreline. Hot conditions and a persistant salt
wedge caused severe stratification in the Neuse River from Johnson Pt. to
upstream of New Bern. These conditions most likely caused the death of
lesioned fish swimming in that area due to added stress of high water
temperatures, and low oxygen conditions.
7/7/2002 030502 WL02006 Little Northeast Creek Jacksonville Onslow Largemouth bass, 150 A fish kill was investigated by NRRT on 7/7/02 at 14:30. Upon
Pickerel, Sunfish, investigation approximately 150 mixed species of fish were found in Little
Atlantic menhaden Northeast Creek , a trib. of the New River. The fish apeared to be about
48hrs old with no obvious signs of sores or lesions. There had been severe
thunder storms in the area two days before the kill was reported. The
salinity in the creek was high and the DO was very low.
7/8/2002 030407 RA02001 Private Pond near Wilson Largemouth Bass, 196000 Ben Smith, Stantonsburg Wastewater Plant ORC, reported seeing fish
Stantonsburg Sunfish, Minnows mortality at about 8 PM July 6, and by 10 AM July 7, all activity had ceased.
He measured DO on Sunday AM at about 0.5 mg/l. Strongly suspect hot
pond water had relatively low DO, then rainstorm went to the bottom
and caused the pond to "turn over". Investigator certain fish died from lack
of oxygen. Impacted all sizes and all species over a short period of time.
Page 4 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
7/9/2002 030155 WA02011 Pamlico Sound near Oregon Dare Flounder, 54 Commercial gill netting for flounder and mullet occuring in area prior to kill.
Inlet Houndfish, Pinfish, Fish looked dead for quite some time. Investigators unable to definitely
Mullet, Toadfish conclude that fish were net discards.
7/11/2002 030307 WA02012 Back Creek near Hwy 92 Beaufort Croaker, Pinfish 33 Juvenile croakers 3- 5 in. in length were found over a 200m stretch of
Bridge Back Creek, a tributary of Bath Creek. The fish appeared to have been dead
for 12 - 24 hrs. Low DO levels and recent heavy storms may have
contributed to the kill.
7/19/2002 030704 MO02001 High Rock Lake Second Creek Rowan Shad, Crappie, 2000 Water had receeded due to drought trapping fish in a shallow, isolated pool
arm near Bringle Catfish near the Bringle Ferry Rd. bridge. Fish most likely succumbed due to low
Ferry Road dissolved oxygen levels.
7/29/2002 030704 MO02002 High Rock Lake Crane Creek Rowan Carp, Crappie, 1000 Water had receeded trapping fish in a shallow, isolated pool near the
Arm Catfish Goodman Lake Rd Bridge. Fish most likely succumbed due to low
dissolved oxygen levels.
7/30/2002 030410 WA02013 Neuse River between Stately Craven Croaker, Silver 25330 It is likely that these fish did not die in the area where they were counted.
and Carolina perch, Pinfish, Northwest winds were blowing them into the Stately Pines/Carolina Pines
Pines Menhaden area. Just upriver at CM# 11 and Flanner's Beach the water column was
very stratified with very little if any DO in the lower layers. Water
temperatures were over 32° C (90° F) throughout the area where dead fish
were found. Nearly all of the fish found were juvenile, and were most
likely killed by stress related to extremely high water temperatures/low DO.
7/30/2002 030704 WS02001 Peters Creek Winston Salem Forsyth Sunfish, Suckers, 1000 Kill caused by a fire at P&B distributors on Chatham Street in Winston
Minnow Sp. Salem on 7-30-02. Chemicals from the fire migrated to Peter's Creek
8/1/2002 030104 WA02014 Albemarle Sound near Sandy Beaufort striped bass 150 NC DMF personnel discovered 150 dead striped bass in the Albemarle
Point Sound from the Hwy 32 bridge west to the Chowan River bridge, a
distance of approximately 7.6 mi. Although gill nets were present in the
area, no apparent net marks were found on the fish. Dissolved Oxygen
levels were within normal ranges, however high water temperatures
throughout the kill zone may have been a contributing factor in the kill.
Page 5 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
8/3/2002 030152 WA02019 Yeopim River near Bethel Perquimans none 2000 Approximately 1,000 dead clams in vicinity of boat ramp at Bethal Fishing
Center on the Yeopim River. Most clams on shore were without shell.
Several more clams floating in shell in water around boat ramp.
8/7/2002 030307 WA02015 Blounts Creek below Hwy 33 Beaufort Catfish 50 Water was green in color . Several phyto samples were sent to ESB for
Bridge analysis. Stress from high salinity and low Do were suspected as factors in
the death of the fish. The phyto samples were dominated by a benign
Peridinium dinoflagellate, and euglenoids were common.
8/8/2002 030152 WA02016 Canal off Albemarle near Holiday Perquimans Menhaden 300 300 menhaden observed floating on surface of water. Grayish film on
Sound Island water with thick mats of green algae and spots of duckweed. Homeowner
reported that there has been no water movement since December. Fish are
believed to have swam into area where the number of fish quickly reduced
the amount of oxygen in the water to anoxic levels, thus killing the
menhaden. No other fish species were present. There were also reports of
approximately 75 canadian geese utilizing the area frequently, but no signs
of fecal matter that could have affected the water.
8/9/2002 030401 RA02002 Private pond Creedmore Granville Sunfish, Catfish, 300 Rain and low pond levels prior to kill. Fish samples showed no signs of
Carp, Largemouth disease or lesions.
bass
8/14/2002 030619 FA02004 Rice's Run near Beaman Sampson Warmouth 100 Fish apparently died from the lack of dissolved oxygen. The kill is a pool
Crossroads located beside SR 1335 on Rice's run which is a small trib. to Great
Coharrie. DO was 0.33 mg/L. The pool had no flow associated with it.
Weather conditions were hot, humid and dry.
8/21/2002 030706 WS02002 South Yadkin River near Cooleemee Davie Clam Kill 1000 Investigators believe kill was caused by manipulation of pool area behind
the run of the river water supply dam at Cooleemee. Two weeks prior to
the event the dam gates were closed to raise pool levels above the dam .
Except for seepage, no water was allowed to flow downstream from the
dam during this time. Clams were reported killed from a lack of water
flow.
8/22/2002 030153 WA02020 Albemarle Sound Hwy 32 Bridge Washington Striped bass, White 120 Most striped bass showed no signs of disease or lesions. Most fish seen on
catfish shore and decomposed. Water temperature was high and was suspected as
a cause.
Page 6 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
8/23/2002 030307 WA02017 Blounts Creek near Cotton Beaufort Catfish 13024 Extremely elevated salinity levels and low dissolved oxygen levels were the
Patch Landing cause of the kill. Salinity readings of 12 ppt in a creek with an average
reading of 3 ppt or below created stressful conditions too difficult for the
fish to overcome. Some fish are still in distress, prolonging the kill.
8/23/2002 030307 WA02018 Chocowinity Creek Hwy 33 Bridge Beaufort Catfish 500 Combination of high salinities and low DO stressed fish. At time of
investigation there were approx. 3000 fish gasping for air upstream of
bridge. Expected these fish to perish in next few days. Fish very visible
from Hwy 33 bridge.
8/26/2002 030307 WA02021 South Creek near Idalia Beaufort Carp, Catfish, 850 Investigators responded to a call from a concerned citizen regarding dead
Sunfish, carp in South Creek. The kill was several days old and the majority of fish
Largemouth bass were in advanced stages of decay. Low DO's and high salinity levels
appeared to be the cause of the kill.
9/12/2002 030616 FA02005 White Lake Bladen Yellow perch 300 Water quality parameters within normal range at time of investigation.
9/16/2002 030616 FA02006 White Lake Bladen Largemouth bass, 200 Fish reported dead near marina on the downwind side of the lake.
Yellow perch
9/27/2002 030704 WS02003 High Rock Lake Abbotts Creek Davidson Carp, Sunfish, 1000 Investigators reported strong wastewater and sulfur smell in area. Water
arm Crappie, Shad color reported as very dark.
10/2/2002 030617 WL02007 Rice Creek, Town At confluence Brunswick Striped mullet, 50 Low dissolved oxygen levels reported throughout the sample area. Aquatic
Creek Largemouth bass, weed (Elodea?) very prevalent throughout the creeks.
Pickerel, Sunfish,
Shad
Page 7 of 8
Date Subbasin Kill Number Waterbody Location County Fish Species Mortality Comments
10/3/2002 030704 WS02004 High Rock Lake Abbotts Creek Davidson Carp, Striped bass 1000 Investigators reported ph and DO levels indicative of an algal bloom. Fish
Arm kill attributed to low DO levels. Water reported dark and turbid in some
areas. Green surface film also observed in Abbotts Creek. Results of ESB
analysis indicated that High Rock Lake (near Buddle Creek) experienced a
extremely dense algal bloom (> 140,000 units/ml). The bloom was
dominated by filamentous blue greens, primarily ( 36%) Oscillatoria
geminata. O. geminata is a common bloom former and found in many
waters throughout the state. The alga is known to discolor water and
cause taste and odor problems.
10/15/200 030153 WA02022 Thirty Foot Canal between Phelps Washington Sunfish, Shad, 200 none
2 Lake and Carp, Largemouth
Scuppernong R. bass
10/31/200 030835 MO02003 Ut to Clark Creek near Newton Catawba Catfish 200 Most fish removed and buried before investigators arrived. Carp and sunfish
2 were abundant in the pond and not affected. the Surface water samples
contained filamentous bluegreen microalga Anabaena, a common species in
North Carolina. Investigators suspected a bacterial infection of the catfish
caused by environmental stress.
Page 8 of 8